By Jennifer Mustoe
I am rushing writing this review as I am stressing right now, GO SEE ONE OF THE FINAL PERFORMANCES OF JOYFUL NOISE at the Covey in Provo! This production not only gives you the warmth of the Christmas season, it is a touching, powerful message about love, passion, forgiveness, heartache and redemption, not to mention the simple brilliance of Handel’s “Messiah,” which is so prevalently played during this time of the year.
I went with a friend who is a singer in Utah’s new Millenial Choir. I, too, am a singer and have done my share of singing “The Messiah.” To find out the story behind this amazing piece of work still has me teary eyed.
The simple set works well for this play in the Covey’s Brinton Black Box Theater. It has enough to provide the actors to move around, but is understated enough so the actors in their amazing costumes (bravo costume designer Pam Davis) are highlighted.
This is Handel’s story–how he overcomes the hurt and pride he feels at London’s rejection of him. But it also winds into it each story of each character in a fascinating, multi-layered way that my friend and I found marvelous.
Adam Argyle plays Charles Jennens, librettist to “The Messiah.” Did you know that at first he didn’t like what Handel had done with his work? Neither did I. Argyle plays with heartfelt passion and the sneaky bit he participates in (which of course I will not tell you–I’m no spoiler) is shown in Argyle’s understated but wily smile. Just one smile and we KNOW.
John Christoper Smith, Handel’s business manager and right hand man is played delightfully by M. Cameron Bench. Smith is one part nag, one part champion to Handel and I loved Bench’s portrayal of both sides of his character.
Lynne D. Bronson’s Mary Pendarves is probably the funniest character in the play and she does this so well. Watch her face as she whips out her poems to defend Handel. Bronson’s protection of those she loves is impressive. We all love her from start to finish.
King George II is played wonderfully and poignantly and comically by Travis Hyer. I LOVED Hyer and was pretty much transfixed whenever he was onstage. The finale is so amazing when Hyer is doing what he did (again, no spoilers), I cried. Yep, Joyful Noise passed the cry test for me.
The bad guy, Bishop Henry Egerton, was played so convincingly by Patrick W. Kintz. Kintz was every bit the puffed up, pontificating, proud bishop. Oooh, I wanted to slap him at times. His version of Christianity in the form of a lack of forgiveness made me so mad. But again, his epiphany at the end is amazing. Bravo to Kintz.
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The two beautiful-voiced young actresses in the show are Kat Webb, who plays Kitty Clive, a Cockney, coarse over acting actress and is HILARIOUS. She is part devious, part diva, all funny, but really sings like an angel. She stole the scenes she was in.
Anna Daines Rennaker played the tender, tragic Susanna Cibber. Rennaker’s face showed her sadness and there always seemed to be almost a tear in her eye. However, when she and Kitty finally have it out, Rennaker was no victim. She, too, sings beautifully and we loved her.
I am leaving Handel for last. J. Scott Bronson was brilliant. His accent was great, his physicality was spot on, and his fierce anger and utter despair were absolutely convincing. So so so good. That’s all I can say.
Bravo to director David Hanson. He has assembled a stellar cast, but gave them all such subtle but powerful direction. If I had time, I’d go see the show again. As it is, I’ve insisted my son come see it. Thank you, Mr. Hanson.
There are only a few more performances and I’m sure Friday and Saturday will sell out. Go tonight or Thursday if you can, but buy tickets early if you don’t have time until the weekend.
If you love “The Messiah”, wonderful, tender stories, Christmastime, or just great productions, DO NOT MISS Joyful Noise.
(As I wrote this review, I listened to the “Hallelujah Chorus” and got a lump in my throat.)
December 5-21, each night this week. 7:30 PM but please be in your seats by 7:20.
Provo Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W. Center St, Provo
801-852-7007 www.coveycenter.org
A lovely review of a beautiful performance! Not to be missed!